Riley Technologies Selected to Build Camaro for KONI Challenge
Turn-key racer from renown manufacturer brings Camaro racing legacy back
to the fore
Mooresville, NC (12 August 2008)-- The legion of Chevrolet Camaro
fans will have a new place to focus their enthusiasm starting next
January at Daytona International Speedway, as the legendary V8-powered
classic Chevrolet performance machine will return to competition in the
Grand-Am KONI Challenge GS Class in 2009.
Riley Technologies has been named the exclusive builder for the Camaro
for KONI Challenge competition. The entry will be closely based on the
highly anticipated all-new 2010 Camaro, which was recently officially
unveiled simultaneously at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan, and GM
West Coast Advanced Design Studio North Hollywood, California, GM.
By entering the KONI Challenge, the Camaro will be competing head to head
against a world-class field of production-based racers. The category has
established itself as key showcase for both driver and product
capabilities, and has enjoyed tremendous fields thanks in part to a SPEED
television presence as well as a rules package that keeps cost
containment a constant focus.
With that philosophy in mind, Riley will be offering four configurations
for teams to select from, creating additional opportunities for teams at
varying levels of investment to suit team budgets. Teams will be able to
select from a complete turn-key race car, a complete unassembled car kit,
an unassembled car less purchased parts, and a Riley Technologies Body In
White fitted with a roll cage.
"We are very excited to be named the exclusive builder of the new
Chevrolet Camaro for KONI Challenge," said Riley Technologies Vice
President Bill Riley. "We will offer the same level of support for
our Camaro KONI Challenge competitors as we do our Daytona Prototype and
Rolex GT Class customers. The KONI Challenge is tremendously competitive
and we are really looking forward to seeing our customers hit the track
starting at Daytona in January."
"The KONI Challenge series is a great venue in which to demonstrate the
performance attributes of the new Chevrolet Camaro," said Mark
Kent, Director, GM Racing. "As the exclusive builder of the
Camaro for competition in the Koni Challenge series, Riley Technologies
will assure the racing version of the Camaro maintains the highest
quality standards, is safe and affordable to purchase and operate. With
Riley Technologies long history of developing and producing championship
winning race cars, we are confident that the Chevrolet Camaro will be a
championship contender in the KONI Challenge series."
Riley Technologies has established an excellent record both on the track,
and in the paddock. Riley products won both the Daytona Prototype and GT
classes of the 2008 Rolex 24 At Daytona, adding to a remarkable record of
over 50 victories in the category. A key ingredient in that success has
been the high level of service and support that the manufacturer offers
its wide customer and competitor base.
"The addition of the Camaro to the KONI Challenge GS class has been
anticipated since our first peek at the car, and it's sure to
become an instant fan favorite," said Grand-Am Vice President of
Competition David Spitzer. "We are glad to support GM Racing, and
their selection of Riley as the supplier of both cars and kits. They
have a track record of safe and successful race cars, and excellent
customer service. Grand Am will work closely with GM Racing and Riley to
ensure the Camaro is priced fairly, and with the dedication of Riley we
expect to have Camaros on the grid for Daytona in January."
The machine will be delivered ready to race for $130,000, with deposits
currently being accepted. Riley will be the only approved manufacturer
for the car in KONI competition.
The Grand-Am KONI Challenge GS Class is the top KONI Challenge category.
The 2008 KONI Challenge season has seen wins by the BMW M3, Porsche 911,
and the Ford Mustang. In addition to racing in support of the Grand-Am
Rolex Sports Car Series, the KONI Challenge also holds events in
conjunction with the IndyCar Series, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, as well
as staging stand-alone events.
-credit; www.rileytech.com
